President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi inaugurated, on Thursday 19-12-2024, the 11th Summit of D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, which is being held in the New Administrative Capital under the title "Investing in Youth and Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises: Towards Shaping the Economy of Tomorrow", in the presence of leaders of the organization's member states and a number of leaders of developing countries and regional and international organizations.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received world leaders taking part in the 11th Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) Summit, upon his arrivals at the venue of the summit in the New Administrative Capital (NAC).

Several leaders of the D-8 member states, developing countries and regional and international organizations attended the event.

President El Sisi received Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Ali Asadov, who is participating on the 11th D8 summit on behalf of Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev.

The president also received Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Bangladesh Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, upon their arrival to the venue of the summit.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi posed for a photo-op with world leaders participating in the 11th Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) Summit.

The Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of the summit proceeded with recitation of the holy Quran by Quran reciter Hajaj el Tallawy.

Bangladesh President Muhammad Yunus handed over presidency of the 11th Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) Summit to President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

Yunus wished Egypt success during its presidency of the summit, asserting Bangladesh's unconditional support of Egypt in managing the event.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi delivered the opening speech, which focused on ways to enhance cooperation between developing countries in facing international challenges.

Following is the text of the President’s speech:

“In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful”

Your Highnesses and Excellencies,

The Heads of State and Government and participating delegations,

Your Excellency, Dr. Isiaka Abdul Qadir Imam,

Secretary-General of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I welcome you all to Egypt, specifically to the New Administrative Capital, which embodies a blend of cultural heritage, civilization and developmental progress.

Definitely, each of our countries has its own unique history, civilization, culture as well as economic background. This diversity enriches our organization, fostering the spirit of solidarity, integration and collaborative work among us.

I would like to seize this opportunity to express profound appreciation to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Head of Bangladesh’s Interim Government, for his country’s unyielding efforts during its presidency of the organization. I also like to extend gratitude to the organization’s Secretariat, led by Dr. Isiaka Abdul Qadir Imam, for its diligent work and tireless efforts in preparing for his summit.

Honourable attendees,

Today, the 11th summit of the organization convenes under the theme “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow's Economy". This theme is of paramount significance, as it focuses on the imperative to invest in the youth, the architects of our nations’ present and future. This is in addition to its economic aspects, which are closely connected to reinforcing SMEs, the driving force for economic growth in developing countries.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We gather today at a juncture marked by unprecedented challenges and crises afflicting the world, and the Middle East in particular. The global landscape is dominated by conflicts and wars, exacerbated by the rise of economic and trade protectionism and the prevalence of double-standards.

Perhaps, the starkest evidence of this is the persistent Israeli war against the Palestinian people, which blatantly defies the resolutions of international legitimacy. This is compounded by the risk and threat of the conflict spilling over into other countries, as evidenced by Lebanon and Syria, which is under relentless attack on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The potential for further escalation could ignite the region, with devastating political and economic ramifications for all.

Given our shared responsibility to stand in solidarity with our Palestinian and Lebanese brothers, we have decided to dedicate a special session during our summit today to discuss the situation in Palestine and Lebanon.

Your Excellencies and Highnesses,

Developing countries are encountering formidable challenges, impeding their endeavors to fulfil their peoples’ aspirations for prosperity and development. With the lack of funding, mounting debt, a widening digital and knowledge divide, and increasing poverty, hunger and youth unemployment rates, developing countries are grappling with the persistent challenge of achieving meaningful progress and growth. 

Addressing these complex challenges requires concerted efforts to forge closer cooperation and implement joint projects and initiatives in various spheres, primarily in communications and information technology, digital economy, AI application, agriculture, transformative industries, new and renewable energy, notably green hydrogen, as well as supporting and developing SMEs.

Despite the diversity of our economic conditions, we all concur on the indispensable need to share our knowledge and successful experiences to realize the Sustainable Development Goals. Egypt is fully prepared to share its successful experiences with member states, notably the “Decent Life” and “Takaful w Karama” initiatives, as well as its infrastructure and urban development projects.

Grounded in its unwavering belief in the imperative of generating impetus to joint cooperation among our countries, it gives me pleasure to declare the launch of the following initiatives during Egypt’s presidency of the organization:

First: The launch of a “Network for Directors of Diplomatic Institutes and Academies” to foster their cooperation and build the capacities of diplomatic personnel, to keep pace with contemporary issues.

Second: The launch of an online competition for pre-university students in member states in the fields of science, engineering, and applied technologies.

Third: The launch of a “Network for Cooperation between Economic Think Tanks” in member states to share ideas and visions on ways to boost economic cooperation, investment and trade among our countries.

Fourth: The initiation of regular meetings for the Ministers of Health of member state, with Egypt hosting the first meeting in 2025, to discuss ways to leverage advanced technological and scientific applications to develop this vital sector.

I would also like to seize this opportunity, to announce Egypt’s intention to ratify the Preferential Trade Agreement Among D-8 Member States, thereby reaffirming the crucial need to bolster intra-trade among member states.

Finally, I wish you all success in fruitful consultations and deliberations to achieve our shared goals and interests and to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of our peoples for a brighter future, God willing.

Thank you

May Allah’s Peace and Blessings Be Upon You

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi chaired the second session of the 11th Summit of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation.

The session was dedicated to discussing the humanitarian disaster and reconstruction in Gaza and Lebanon.

During the session, the President delivered Egypt's speech, which addressed the situation in Palestine and Lebanon, as well as Egypt's efforts to restore stability in the region.

The following is the text of President El-Sisi's speech:

"In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful”

Your Highnesses and Excellencies,

The Heads of State and Government and participating delegations,

Your Excellency, Dr. Isiaka Abdul Qadir Imam,

Secretary-General of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation,

Ladies and gentlemen

We gather today at a time of great peril, as the Middle East is grappling with formidable threats. The ongoing events in the region are a demonstrable testament to the world’s double-standards, the erosion of human principles and values, and the marginalization of the rules of international law.

The Israeli war on the Gaza Strip has been continuing for over a year, and has now extended to Lebanon. Moreover, Syria is enduring a brazen violation of its sovereignty, against the backdrop of Israel's recent seizure of more Syrian territories, flagrant aggression on Syrian lands, and unilateral declaration of the annulment of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Egypt condemns these violations in the strongest terms, and reiterates its full and unshakable support of the unity, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. Egypt also reaffirms its position in support of all efforts contributing to the success of a comprehensive and inclusive political process in Syria, with the engagement of all components and segments of the Syrian people, without any external dictations or interventions.

Your Highnesses and Excellencies,

The events and developments since October 2023, have defied all international and humanitarian boundaries and norms. The number of Palestinian casualties has surpassed 45,000 martyrs, the majority of whom are women and children. More than 107,000 have been injured, most of them women and children as well. The number of displaced persons has reached 1.9 million. The Israeli violations have extended to international staff, who lost their lives while performing their duties. More than 70% of the infrastructure in Gaza has been destroyed. Poverty, unemployment, and starvation rates have reached catastrophic levels, ranging from 80% to 100%. It is expected that more than 90% of the Gaza population will suffer from acute food shortages.

This aggression has extended to target the residents of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, who are suffering from the expansion of settlement activities, settler violence, and military incursions into the cities of the West Bank.

Egypt reiterates the imperative and indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in providing desperately-needed support to the Palestinian people. It also underscores the inalienable right of return for the Palestinian people.

Under these circumstances, I can only stress the urgent and critical need for an immediate and enduring ceasefire in Gaza, and for lifting Israel’s obstacles impeding humanitarian access. This would pave the way for post-war arrangements. In this regard, I would like to confirm that any vision for the 'day after' in the Gaza Strip will never succeed unless it is based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with contiguous territory, along the June 4, 1967 borders, and with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Again, I emphasize Egypt’s unequivocal and categorical rejection of any scheme designed to liquidate the Palestinian cause, whether through the forced displacement or separating Gaza from the West Bank and Jerusalem.

 Ladies and gentlemen,

Honorable attendees,

The flames of the Israeli war have extended to Lebanon, where the Israeli aggression has resulted in the martyrdom of more than 4,000 people, including women and children, and more than 16,000 injured. Approximately 1.2 million people have been displaced. Since the beginning of the aggression, Egypt has been keen on providing all possible support to the brotherly people of Lebanon. Egypt has also established a direct air link between Cairo and Beirut, successfully delivering 92 tons of medical supplies and relief aid.

While Egypt welcomes the announcement of the entry into force of a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, it underlines the crucial need for concerted international efforts to mobilize the necessary funding for Lebanon's reconstruction, notably with international estimates indicating that Lebanon needs no less than $5 billion for reconstruction.

Egypt confirms the vital importance of the full and non-selective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and the empowerment of the Lebanese Army to extend its control over all Lebanese territory. Egypt also reaffirms its full commitment to supporting the Lebanese brothers to complete their constitutional requirements by electing a president of the republic, within the framework of Lebanon’s national sovereignty and internal consensus.

Your Highnesses and Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Finally, I would like to reassert that Egypt will spare no effort in supporting the peoples of the Arab and Islamic nations to safeguard their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Egypt will continue its unyielding and unwavering efforts toward de-escalating tensions in the region and restoring security, stability, and peace, in order to progress along the path of development and prosperity, and to secure a brighter future for our peoples.

Thank you 
Meetings of President El-Sisi on the sidelines of the D8 Summit for Economic Cooperation

President El-Sisi Meets President of Türkiye on Sidelines of D-8 Summit

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on the sidelines of the 11th Summit of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, held in the New Administrative Capital.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, stated that the two presidents emphasized the indispensability to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation across all fields, in alignment with the interests of both countries and their peoples.

President El-Sisi and the Turkish president reviewed ways to further develop bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of economics, trade, and investment.

The meeting also touched on developments in the Middle East. Both leaders underscored the importance of intensifying coordination and consultation between the two countries regarding regional crises to ensure restoring peace and stability.

In this context, Egypt's efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, secure the release of hostages, and facilitate the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza were highlighted.

President Erdoğan expressed appreciation for Egypt's efforts. He agreed with President El-Sisi that the establishment of an independent Palestinian State along the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is the fundamental guarantee for restoring peace and stability in the region.

The meeting also addressed the situation in Syria. President El-Sisi reiterated the necessity to maintain Syria’s unity, independence, and territorial integrity, and to initiate a Syrian-led political process that includes all segments of society and its forces to achieve national reconciliation and ensure the success of the transition process.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in other countries, particularly Libya, Sudan, Somalia, and Syria, emphasizing the importance of protecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of these nations to ensure the safety and peace of their peoples. Both sides condemned Israeli violations of Syrian territories, affirming the need for an immediate cessation of these violations.

President El-Sisi Meets Palestinian President on Sidelines of D-8 Summit

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, on the sidelines of the 11th Summit of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, in the New Administrative Capital.

The meeting reviewed ways to restore calm to the Palestinian territories. It focused on Egypt’s efforts to achieve a ceasefire and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip so as to alleviate the humanitarian crisis there and end the bloodshed.

The talks also tackled the situation in the West Bank, with both leaders reiterating their rejection of Israel's persistent violations in the area.

President El-Sisi and the Palestinian President emphasized that the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem constitute the land of the Palestinian state

President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's unyielding and vigorous efforts to support the Palestinian people and to establish an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The two Presidents emphasized their rejection of any attempts to forcibly displace the Palestinians or to undermine the Palestinian cause.

President Abbas commended Egypt's pivotal efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, acknowledging Egypt's historic role in supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights.

President El-Sisi Meets Lebanese Prime Minister on Sidelines of D8 Summit

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati, on the sidelines of the 11th Summit of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, in the New Administrative Capital.

President El-Sisi reaffirmed Lebanon's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The President emphasized Egypt's keenness on firming-up the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and the full enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

President El-Sisi underscored the significance of supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces to enable them to carry out their duties in reenforcing stability in Lebanon, and thereby enhance regional stability.

President El-Sisi confirmed Egypt's support for all Lebanese state institutions, which are carrying out vital responsibilities under difficult circumstances. The President reiterated Egypt's steadfast commitment to offering all forms of assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese people and support the effective functioning of the country's institutions.

The meeting also touched on regional developments and Egypt’s efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza as a core step toward restoring regional stability. President El-Sisi and the Lebanese Prime Minister expressed their commitment to Syria's stability, unity and territorial integrity as well as the safety and security of its people. They also cautioned against the expansion of the conflict, stressing the need for all parties to act with wisdom and responsibility to restore regional peace.

President El-Sisi Meets Iran’s President on Sidelines of D-8 Summit

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, on the sidelines of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation Summit, held in the New Administrative Capital.

The two presidents exchanged views on regional developments and ways to restore peace in the region.

President El-Sisi emphasized the indispensability of defusing regional tensions and avoiding escalation. The President affirmed that it was necessary for all parties to act wisely in order to protect the region from dangerous confrontations that could have serious repercussions on peace and security in the Middle East and the world as a whole.

The meeting also touched on the situation in Palestine, with a review of Egypt's efforts to implement a ceasefire and deliver humanitarian aid. Additionally, the two sides exchanged views on the conditions in Lebanon and Syria.

The meeting also focused on joint efforts to explore opportunities for developing bilateral relations, aiming to serve the interests of both countries and contribute to regional stability.

President El-Sisi Meets Head of Interim Government of Bangladesh on Sidelines of D-8 Summit

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with the head of the interim government of Bangladesh, Dr.Muhammad Yunus, on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit for Economic Cooperation held in the New Administrative Capital.

President El-Sisi expressed Egypt's deep appreciation for the historical relations between Egypt and Bangladesh, stressing the importance of continuing to enhance cooperation between the two countries across various fields, especially in the economic and investment fields, as well as scientific and cultural cooperation. The President referred to the vital role played by Al-Azhar in this context.

Dr. Yunus confirmed President El-Sisi's remarks regarding the importance of developing bilateral relations, adding that Al-Azhar enjoys a special status in the conscience of the people of Bangladesh, in addition to its steadfast role in confronting extremism and terrorism.

The meeting reviewed regional developments, especially in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, and Egypt's efforts to restore security and stability and preserve the capabilities of the peoples. Dr. Yunus expressed his appreciation for the essential role played by Egypt as a key element in achieving stability in the Middle East and defending the issues of the Islamic nation and developing countries, stressing his country's interest to enhance cooperation with Egypt to be commensurate with the level of the historical ties that unite the two countries.

Egypt is chairing the current edition of the summit, having assumed the presidency of the group last May and will continue to lead its work until the end of next year.

Several summits and bilateral meetings are scheduled to be held on the sidelines of the G8 summit in Cairo, whether at the level of presidents or delegations participating in the conference.

Preparatory Meetings

Ambassador Ragui El-Etreby, Egypt’s commissioner to the D-8 and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral International and Regional Economic Affairs, presided over the discussions.

He stated that the meetings would focus on issues to be included in the Cairo summit agenda, primarily exploring avenues for enhanced economic cooperation among member nations across various sectors.

Ambassador El-Etreby highlighted the importance Egypt places on the D-8 and its chairmanship through the end of next year. He emphasised the potential for strengthening economic ties, particularly in industry, agriculture, and services, which he said would contribute to Egypt’s comprehensive development goals. These efforts include attracting investment and increasing trade in goods and services. El-Etreby also noted the D-8’s substantial market, encompassing more than one billion people and a combined GDP of approximately $5 trillion.

He highlighted that all member states expressed full support during the meetings for Egypt’s proposed initiatives. These initiatives seek to boost economic cooperation among D-8 nations through collaborative efforts in industry, trade, education, health and tourism. The proposals also include support for small, medium, and micro-enterprises. Additionally, they aim to enhance research collaboration by creating a network of economic research centres among the D-8 member countries.

Ambassador El-Etreby is scheduled to present the outcomes of the commissioners’ discussions to the D-8 foreign ministers during their meeting on December 18th. This will then pave the way for the presentation of these results to the D-8 heads of state for their deliberation and endorsement during the Cairo summit.
18-12-2024

Foreign Minister Chaired the 21st D-8 Ministerial Meeting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration
Dr. Badr Abdelatty, participated on December 18 in the 21st session of the Council of Ministers of the Organization of Eight Developing Countries (D-8), which is being held in preparation for the 11th D-8 Summit, to be chaired by President of the Republic on Thursday, December 19, with the attendance of heads of state and government.

In his speech, Minister Abdelatty addressed the timely nature of the Summit, coinciding with pressing regional and international events and unprecedented economic challenges, highlighting their direct impact on developing countries.
Minister Abdelatty also discussed the consequences of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in a humanitarian disaster and the destruction of infrastructure, as well as the extension of Israeli aggression to Syria and Lebanon in a flagrant violation of international law. This prompted Egypt to take the initiative to hold a special session on Palestine and Lebanon during the Summit's proceedings tomorrow.
Regarding the future prospects of cooperation among the group’s countries, Minister Abdelatty emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among the group’s members in all sectors and exploring new opportunities for economic and trade collaboration. He also stressed the importance of empowering the private sector, attracting investments, and creating an environment that encourages further cooperation among the group’s countries, in addition to empowering youth.

On the sidelines of the   of the 21st session of the D-8 Council of Ministers, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty met, on Wednesday evening, 18-12-2024, with Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Mr. Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, Mr. Yusuf Maitana Tugar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, and Mr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia.

The meetings addressed the overall bilateral relations between Egypt and Turkey, Iran, Nigeria and Malaysia, and ways to develop them in the political, economic and commercial fields and push them to broader horizons. They also touched on the most prominent developments of common interest in the Middle East and Africa, most notably the developments in Syria, Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan and the Horn of Africa.

The discussions reflected a mutual desire to raise the level of coordination and consultation to support bilateral relations and achieve regional security and stability, as well as enhance cooperation in multilateral frameworks, whether in the African Union or the United Nations.

About D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation

The D-8, also known as the “Developing Eight Countries” is an international organization comprising eight Islamic countries, namely: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkiye

The establishment of D-8 was announced officially by the Summit of Heads of State/Government in Istanbul, on June 15,1997 (Istanbul Declaration), following the “Conference on Cooperation for Development”, on October 22, 1996, and after a series of preparatory meetings.

The objectives of the D-8 

This organization adds a new dimension that aims to:
- Improve member states’ position in the global economy.

- Diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations.

- Enhance the participation of developing countries in decision-making at the international level.

- Achieve better standards of living.

The most important features of the D-8

D-8 is a global arrangement rather than a regional one, as the composition of founding members reflects.

Membership is open to other developing countries subscribing to the goals, objectives, and principles of the group, sharing common bonds.

D-8 is a forum with no adverse impact on bilateral and multilateral commitments of the member countries, emanating from their membership to regional and international organisations.

Principal organs of the D-8

The principal organs of D-8 are the Summit, the Council, and the Commission.

The Summit, which is the supreme organ of D-8 is composed of the Heads of State/Government of member states. It is convened once every two years.

The Council is composed of the Ministers in charge of Foreign Affairs of member states. It is the political decision-making organ of D-8 and acts as a forum for thorough and comprehensive consideration of the issues.

The Commission is the executive organ of D-8. It is composed of senior officials appointed by their respective governments. Each Commissioner is responsible for national coordination in his/her respective country.